Goaltending Suddenly Not an Issue for the Maple Leafs: Akhtyamov, Murray on Fire to Start AHL Season
After years of concerns in the crease, the Toronto Maple Leafs suddenly have a plenty of talent between the pipes with Stolarz, Woll, Hildeby, Murray, and Akhtyamov.
The arrival of Anthony Stolarz in Toronto to augment the oft-injured but promising talent, Joseph Woll, has provided the Maple Leafs with some added stability at a very important position.
Gone are the days where the team has had to rely on names like Jack Campbell, Petr Mrazek, Erik Kallgren, Kasimir Kaskisuo, and Michael Hutchinson. Now, the Leafs boast the likes of the aforementioned Woll and Stolarz, along with rookie Dennis Hildeby, veteran Matt Murray and prospect Artur Akhtyamov. The latter pair are currently a combined 5-0-0 in the American Hockey League.
Akhtyamov is 3-0-0 with a ridiculous 1.00 GAA and an even better .964 SV%, while Murray is also off to a nice start, going 2-0-0 with a 2.50 GAA and a .914 SV%. The latter is attempting to get back into pro hockey form after missing the entirety of the 2023-24 season while recovering from bi-lateral hip surgery, while the former is enjoying his first taste of North American hockey after years dropping jaws in the Russian circuits.
Akhtyamov, enjoyed a fantastic career in his home country where he performed admirably in all three circuits. The 22-year-old held a .943 SV% and a 1.74 G.A.A in 39 games in the VHL in 2022-23, he then followed that up with a .927 SV% in 19 games before seeing a promotion to the KHL, where he once again excelled with a .921 SV% in 17 contests.
In his AHL debut, Akhtyamov made 37 saves on 38 shots against San Diego during the Marlies 4-1 win before turning aside 26 shots in their 4-2 win over Rochester on Friday.
Murray has been just as good as he is coming off of a 35-save performance during the Marlies 3-2 victory over Rochester on Saturday. The veteran has found it difficult to remain healthy after an amazing start to his career that saw him earn two Stanley Cup rings in his first two seasons.
While it's going to be difficult terrain for Murray to get a call-up once Woll returns from the IR, if Murray can continue to play well in the AHL, his NHL experience may land him on the recall list, even though Hildeby has been excellent for the Leafs in a backup role, picking up his first win of the season against the New Jersey Devils in the Leafs' 2nd game of the season.
Suddenly, an area of weakness has become an area of strength in Toronto, and it's honestly about time.
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